The two most common types of stainless steel are 304 and 316. the high levels of chromium and nickel in 304 and 316 stainless steel sheets make them highly resistant to heat, wear, and corrosion. Of course, they are not only known for these benefits, but they also have numerous advantages such as clean appearance and high malleability. Although the two are very similar in many aspects, there are significant differences in how they are made. 316 stainless steel has molybdenum chemically, while 304 stainless steel contains no.

What are 304 and 316 stainless steel?

304 Stainless Steel

Grade 304 is the most common austenitic stainless steel. It contains 8 percent nickel and 18% chromium. The alloy also includes other elements – carbon, manganese, and silicon – and the remaining composition is primarily iron. The 304 stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion and has high nickel-chromium levels.

316 Stainless Steel

316 stainless steel is composed primarily of iron and contains 10% nickel and 16% chromium, as well as small amounts of carbon, manganese, molybdenum, and silicon. Therefore, it is more resistant to corrosion than 304. For this reason, 316 stainless steel is often the preferred choice in marine construction.

How are 304 and 316 stainless steel classified?

Although there are more than 100 grades of stainless steel, most fall into five main categories within the stainless steel family: austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, duplex, and precipitation hardening. These five types of stainless steel are arranged according to their crystal structure. Austenitic grades include 316 and 304 stainless steel sheets. The austenitic system of stainless steel grades makes them non-magnetic and unavailable for heat treatment.

What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?

316 contains many chemical properties similar to those of 304 stainless steel. To the naked eye, the two metals appear to be identical. The simple answer to this question is that 304 has 18% chromium. 316 has 10% nickel. 2% molybdenum. 316 has added molybdenum to help resist corrosion from some oxides such as seawater or salt water. Next, we briefly describe the characteristics of each of 304 and 316.

Applications of 304 and 316 stainless steel

Application of 304 stainless steel

304 is commonly used in our everyday medical and food industries because it can withstand powerful cleaning chemicals without corroding. 304 type stainless is a low-carbon and high-chromium content, making it one of the most versatile austenitic stainless metals. All 18% and 8% nickel austenitic metal alloys are available. Type 304 is recognized for its resistance to oxidation, corrosion, and durability. 304 products can be made in many finishes to provide various industries options. Typical applications for 304 stainless steel include:

Kitchen appliances: various pots, pans, hoods, sinks, spatulas, etc.

Transportation equipment: various car parts, roadblocks, light poles, etc.

Construction industry: indoor construction, such as wall panels, elevators, etc.

Medical equipment: surgical tools, monitoring equipment, etc.

There are significant differences in the nickel and chromium contents of 304 and316 stainless steel sheets. The former has a higher chromium content, while the latter contains more nickel.

Application of 316 stainless steel

Adding molybdenum to 316 makes it more corrosion-resistant than similar alloys. 316 is a primary metal used in marine environments due to its corrosion resistance. 316 stainless is used in hospitals because of its cleanliness. 316 type of stainless steel is an authentic, chromium-nickel stainless steel that can withstand a variety of chemical corrosives like seawater or brine solutions. 304 stainless steel typical applications.

*Chemical equipment: reservoirs and pipelines for chemical applications, chemical storage, and processing equipment, and refinery infrastructure.

*Mechanical parts: ship tracks, steel wire rope, ship ladders, ship hulls.

*Medical equipment: large pharmaceutical equipment, surgical equipment, etc.

The main difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel is that 316 grade has a much higher molybdenum content, typically 2-3% by weight, and provides better corrosion resistance.